Channel: What To Expect

Category: Education

Description: Here's what causes stiffness and backache during pregnancy, and how you can cope with it. Learn more about back pain during pregnancy at WhatToExpect.com: whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/backache.aspx Download the What to Expect app: itunes.apple.com/us/app/pregnancy-baby-what-to-expect/id289560144 play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wte.view Heidi Murkoff, creator of What to Expect, is here to guide you through every stage of your baby's life. Watch all of our first year videos: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1K0LmLma0ZECOBlSaRcBBYiMDFWugdMJ FOLLOW US: Facebook: facebook.com/WhatToExpectWhenYoureExpecting Twitter: twitter.com/WhatToExpect Pinterest: pinterest.com/whattoexpect Instagram: instagram.com/whattoexpect Transcript: Pregnancy Symptom: Back Pain What it feels like: Soreness and aches in the upper and lower back and hips, and sometimes even the legs. What causes it: Hormones relax the joints in your pelvis, shifting weight and causing muscle strain. Late in pregnancy, your growing uterus may press on your sciatic nerve, causing sharp, shooting pain in your back, butt and legs. "I can't really bend over or walk without it getting worse." - hal2019 When it starts and ends: Back pain is very common from week 18 on. Many women have back pain throughout pregnancy, especially in trimester 3. What to do about it: Stretch and get regular exercise. Sleep with a pregnancy pillow or try a belly support band. Take a warm bath or get a massage. Apply a warm compress or ice pack. "I used a heating pad for a few minutes every day and lay on my side with a pillow between my legs." - 22Sweets22 When to talk to the doctor: If severe back pain is interfering with your day-to-day life, talk to your practitioner.